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Evaluating Accessibility In Tn State Parks, Ashley C. Phillips Apr 2022

Evaluating Accessibility In Tn State Parks, Ashley C. Phillips

OTD Capstone Projects

During this Capstone experience, I partnered with Tucker's House and the TN State Parks to evaluate the efficacy of the State Park ADA Assessment tool. After modifying the assessment tool, I evaluated the three most visited state parks in TN and made suggestions on how to improve accessibility of the parks.


Advocacy And Collaboration To Promote And Enhance Services Provided By Ability App, Callie Emerson Apr 2022

Advocacy And Collaboration To Promote And Enhance Services Provided By Ability App, Callie Emerson

OTD Capstone Projects

This poster details advocacy effort made to promote Ability App to healthcare students in Bloomington, Indiana in hopes of increasing accessibility for individuals with disabilities, educating future healthcare professionals, and encouraging individuals in Bloomington to use Ability App.


Home And Environmental Modifications And Community Resources For Individuals With Visual Impairment, Kimberly Mclaughlin Apr 2022

Home And Environmental Modifications And Community Resources For Individuals With Visual Impairment, Kimberly Mclaughlin

OTD Capstone Projects

Tucker's House is a non-profit organization that provides home and environmental modifications as well as assistive devices to families in Middle Tennessee that have a child with a disability. This doctoral capstone project focused on developing resources the organization can provide to individuals with low vision, visual impairment or blindness as well as their families/caregivers. The resources created include family intake forms, adaptive devices and durable medical equipment lists, community resources, general strategies, and smartphone/technology accessibility guides all related to increasing safety, participation in daily living tasks, and independence for individuals with visual impairment.


Independent Study Curriculums For Adult Students With Idd At Lipscomb University - Ideal, Megan Roman Apr 2022

Independent Study Curriculums For Adult Students With Idd At Lipscomb University - Ideal, Megan Roman

OTD Capstone Projects

Independent study curriculums targeting independent living skills for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities attending the Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb (IDEAL) program. The curriculum was created using the constructivism model and social cognitive theory for an active approach to learning that promotes self-efficacy in independent living skills to facilitate student success within the program and upon their transition into the community.


Promoting Participant And Community Participation At Saddle Up!, Savannah R. Macisaac Apr 2022

Promoting Participant And Community Participation At Saddle Up!, Savannah R. Macisaac

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through partnership with Saddle Up!, in Franklin, Tennessee. Saddle Up! is a nonprofit adaptive barn providing children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities with horses. The primary focus of this project was to create a volunteer training manual for operating the mechanical lift. The deliverable was a PowerPoint which bridged the gap between instructor and volunteer knowledge. It included step by step instructions, as well as education on how to best support participants during the lift process. The secondary focus of the project was educating …


Illuminate Academy Shine Shop Resources And Kindergarten Market Research, Rya G. Carroll Apr 2022

Illuminate Academy Shine Shop Resources And Kindergarten Market Research, Rya G. Carroll

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through a partnership with Illuminate Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Illuminate Academy is a not-for-profit alternative to public or private school for children with Autism and developmental disabilities. The primary focus of this capstone project was to develop a resource guide for the Shine Shop, a transition program that provides students of Illuminate Academy an opportunity to give back to the community through dignified activities. The deliverable included task analyses of sold products, supply lists, and visual supports for learners. The resource guide was developed to ensure sustainability of the Shine Shop products, as well as …


Adult Program Development Gigi’S Playhouse, Ella E. Baggett Apr 2022

Adult Program Development Gigi’S Playhouse, Ella E. Baggett

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone experience was conducted through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, a Down-syndrome achievement center that provides free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. This experience primarily focused on piloting the GiGi University program through an occupational lens by adapting, modifying, and implementing national curriculum to meet student needs. GiGi U sought to increase confidence, career skills, personal wellness, and overall quality of life. Additionally, training and support was provided to GiGi’s satellite location in a neighboring county to increase sustainability of additional programming.


Increasing Self-Determination Throughout The Transition Process: A Resource Guide For Benton Hall Academy, Melanie N. Vacchiano Apr 2022

Increasing Self-Determination Throughout The Transition Process: A Resource Guide For Benton Hall Academy, Melanie N. Vacchiano

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through a partnership with Benton Hall Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Benton Hall Academy “strives to prepare each student academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally, through individualized instruction, to work to his or her potential and to make a successful transition into the workplace or into a higher learning experience”. This project focused on the compilation of resource materials for supplementary support/education purposes. Through collaboration with stakeholders, a virtual and hard-copy resource guide was created with the goal to encourage self-determination, life skills, and increase overall participation amongst high school students. Topics included faculty/staff resources, parent resources, …


Driving With Low Vision: Development Of Evidence Based Practice Manual For Bioptic Drivers, Emily Rose Sonni Apr 2022

Driving With Low Vision: Development Of Evidence Based Practice Manual For Bioptic Drivers, Emily Rose Sonni

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was centered around the creation of a pre-driver training manual for novice drivers with Bioptic Telescope Systems (BTS) in preparation for behind-the-wheel training. The BTS pre-driver training manual was created with OTs at Vanderbilt Eye Institute as well as various OTS/CDRS from additional universities around the country. The manual consists of several parts including: bioptic care/hygiene, steps to become a bioptic driver in TN, how to use the bioptic, pre-driver training activities, time log form and helpful resources page. We also distributed a survey to current novice drivers (without the training manual) to get an impression of …


Enhancing Otd Clinical Pathophysiology Course Curriculum, Ashley N. Rabuck Apr 2022

Enhancing Otd Clinical Pathophysiology Course Curriculum, Ashley N. Rabuck

OTD Capstone Projects

To build upon the foundation of the OTD Clinical Pathophysiology course as to promote student-centered teaching and learning as well as course application to future occupational therapy clinical practice


Integrating Best Practice In Belmont’S Otd Curriculum Through Research, Dissemination, And Development Of Supplemental Course Materials, Alyson Graham Apr 2022

Integrating Best Practice In Belmont’S Otd Curriculum Through Research, Dissemination, And Development Of Supplemental Course Materials, Alyson Graham

OTD Capstone Projects

This project was focused on researching best practice for teaching to large class sizes in preparation for the increasing cohort sizes within Belmont University's OTD program. Research included best practice for large class sizes as well as best practice within occupational therapy programs. This research was consolidated into a paper which included recommendations that could potentially be implemented into the OTD program. Additional materials were created based on that research for potential use within the mental health curriculum of the OTD program and were included in a Blackboard Sandbox course which faculty can access and utilize in the future.


Gigi’S Playhouse Program Development, Jensen Anderson Apr 2022

Gigi’S Playhouse Program Development, Jensen Anderson

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through a partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse of Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse offers free and purposeful programs for individuals with Down Syndrome from birth through adulthood. The focus of this project was development, modification, and facilitation of the GiGi University program. GiGi University is a program for adults focused on career skills, communication skills, money management, and wellness through nutrition, healthy cooking, and fitness. The goal of this program is to promote increased independence and confidence, as well as to prepare participants for career opportunities and the GiGi’s Playhouse internship program. The national curriculum was modified to …


Development And Implementation Of An Outcome Measure For Move Inclusive Dance, Morgan Sondergeld Apr 2022

Development And Implementation Of An Outcome Measure For Move Inclusive Dance, Morgan Sondergeld

OTD Capstone Projects

Due to the need for increased funding at MOVE Inclusive Dance, an outcome measure was created and piloted to display program efficacy. This outcome measure with collected data will illustrate to stakeholders and grant committees the value of MOVE Inclusive Dance. Furthermore, a revised sensory protocol was created to ease student transition from classroom to stage through the use of visuals and strategies. Lastly, an organized document was created for the owner of MOVE Inclusive Dance to continuously apply for grants over the coming years with increased ease.


The Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudes Needed For Entry Level Wheelchair Service Providers: A Collaboration With Iswp And Ctf, Taylor Bumbalough Apr 2022

The Knowledge, Skills, And Attitudes Needed For Entry Level Wheelchair Service Providers: A Collaboration With Iswp And Ctf, Taylor Bumbalough

OTD Capstone Projects

The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) and Clinician Task Force (CTF) are two organizations dedicated to supporting the wheeled seating and mobility sector. ISWP’s mission is to advocate for education, evidence-based practice, scholarship, consistent standards, and innovation to further wheelchair service provision access internationally, while CTF advocates for those in need of assistive technology to have access of appropriate wheeled seating and mobility by sharing knowledge and experiences of competent clinicians in the field. During this capstone experience, I partnered with ISWP contributing to their Wheelchair Educator’s Package (WEP) by developing an engagement survey to gage the Participatory Action …


Developing Evidence Based Protocols To Enhance Occupational Therapy Treatment Of The Upper Extremity, Alexandra Ross Apr 2022

Developing Evidence Based Protocols To Enhance Occupational Therapy Treatment Of The Upper Extremity, Alexandra Ross

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project consisted of the creation of a rehabilitation protocol booklet of 27 diagnoses pertaining to the upper extremity. This poster goes into detail of the protocol creation and development process, and provides examples of protocols for different diagnoses.


Occupational Therapy And Animal Assisted Therapy: Advocacy For The Field & Best Practice, Mackenzie E. Vanderbloomen Apr 2022

Occupational Therapy And Animal Assisted Therapy: Advocacy For The Field & Best Practice, Mackenzie E. Vanderbloomen

OTD Capstone Projects

There are many ways to incorporate animal assisted therapy (AAT) into occupational therapy (OT) practice, including facilitating client motivation, participation, companionship, addressing activities of daily living (ADLs) including grooming, bathing, feeding, and dressing, as well as the role of pet caretaker as an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). While the values and goals that guide both AAT and OT seem to align in various ways, literature speaking to this unique blend of therapy and the benefits it has on client outcomes and work environment are limited. To highlight gaps in knowledge, and to inform suggestions for field advancement, a …


Abundant Life Adventure Club Youth Program: Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Recreation And Adventure, Gabriela Swiecki Apr 2022

Abundant Life Adventure Club Youth Program: Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Recreation And Adventure, Gabriela Swiecki

OTD Capstone Projects

This Capstone project was completed as a collaborative effort with another OTD student and through a partnership with Abundant Life Adventure Club (ALAC). ALAC is a Nashville based organization that focuses on curating outdoor adventures and experiences for Black adults. The focus of this project was on the creation of outdoor programming for urban-dwelling youth, specifically middle schooler, using the principles of positive youth development. The result is a complete digital program guide. The guide includes objectives to address each theme, discussion questions and statements, a lesson plan template, and an activities list to pair with a theme. Using this …


Developing An Educational Foundation For Incorporating Animal Assisted Interventions Into Rehabilitation Settings, Chandni Vyas Apr 2022

Developing An Educational Foundation For Incorporating Animal Assisted Interventions Into Rehabilitation Settings, Chandni Vyas

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone experience was to identify and fill the need for standardized education in the field of occupational and physical therapy regarding the implementation of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) into treatment. Working with Belmont University Professor, Dr. Christi Williams, PTT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT, a course describing the foundations of AAI in practice was created to provide occupational and physical therapy practitioners with a standardized educational course for incorporating therapy animal teams into client-centered interventions. The course was piloted on students in both fields, and a feedback survey was utilized to learn about the attitudes regarding the appropriateness …


Abundant Life Youth Program: Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Experience, Elizabeth Robinson Apr 2022

Abundant Life Youth Program: Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Experience, Elizabeth Robinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with Abundant Life Adventure Club, a Nashville based organization that promotes wellness through curated outdoor adventures for Black individuals. This project coordinated with that of another capstone student in the creation of a comprehensive youth program aiming to promote positive youth development in an outdoor setting for urban-dwelling youth. A literature review was performed to inform the choice of themes and content for the curriculum, which included increasing exposure to nature as well as discussion of developmentally relevant content. The outcome of the research and planning for this curriculum is a digital resource …


Promoting The Benefits Of Therapy Dogs In Healthcare Settings Through Children's Literature, Angela Bozik Apr 2022

Promoting The Benefits Of Therapy Dogs In Healthcare Settings Through Children's Literature, Angela Bozik

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone experience was completed in partnership with Dr. Christi Williams, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT. Dr. Williams has a mission to educate others of all ages on the benefits of animal-assisted interventions in a wide variety of settings - most notably, healthcare settings. The primary focus of this project was to create a children's book to teach others about how therapy dogs can be incorporated into a wide variety of healthcare settings in more ways than just petting the dog. It is the hope that through this book more families and healthcare professionals will be inspired to register …


Nobody Likes Busy Work: Tilting An Ota Program's Curriculum, Sarah Parkinson Apr 2022

Nobody Likes Busy Work: Tilting An Ota Program's Curriculum, Sarah Parkinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Nashville State Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. The college is currently transitioning from The Adult Learning Theory to Bloom’s Theory and the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) method. This project aimed to modify learning materials to assist the OTA program with the transition using specific stakeholder feedback to guide adjustments and assignment design in line with ACOTE standards.


Teaching And Supplemental Material Development For Belmont University's Otd Neuroscience Course, Jessica Van Ryzin Apr 2022

Teaching And Supplemental Material Development For Belmont University's Otd Neuroscience Course, Jessica Van Ryzin

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project focused on the development of the neuroscience curriculum with Belmont School of Occupational Therapy. Agency needs included strategies and materials to supplement student understanding in particularly difficult lessons. Project goals ranged from identification of difficult content areas to development of a variety of materials. Using research and stakeholder suggestions, a variety of materials were developed to address diverse learning styles and needs. Feedback was gathered on all learning materials to assess effectiveness and make necessary changes. In all, four case studies, two lectures, two labs, two worksheets, one instructor resource on research findings, and a series of …


The Parkinson's Wellness Project: An 8-Part Educational Video Series, Samantha L. Stevenson Apr 2022

The Parkinson's Wellness Project: An 8-Part Educational Video Series, Samantha L. Stevenson

OTD Capstone Projects

The Parkinson’s Wellness Project is an 8-part educational video series created by Samantha Stevenson, a student in Belmont University’s Doctorate Program in Occupational Therapy. Purpose: This project was created to benefit all persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their care partners who attend Rocksteady Boxing (RSB) in Franklin/Nashville, TN. Methodology: The student conducted research to identify the salient issues experienced by people living with PD. The issues were then synthesized into 8 separate categories including the following: facial expression, mental health, sexual health, self-care, sleep, diet and nutrition, meditation, and postural alignment. Experts in the healthcare field produced specialized content …


Educational Guides To Assistive Technology And Digital Literacy For Older Adults And Caregivers, Cheney D. Hess Apr 2022

Educational Guides To Assistive Technology And Digital Literacy For Older Adults And Caregivers, Cheney D. Hess

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project consisted of the development of a variety of educational resources to assistive technology and digital literacy for older adults and caregivers to aid this population in the process researching, selecting, and accessing assistive technology.


Illuminate Academy Kindergarten Market Research And Shine Shop, Shauna Rocha Apr 2022

Illuminate Academy Kindergarten Market Research And Shine Shop, Shauna Rocha

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with Illuminate Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. Illuminate Academy is a not-for-profit alternative to a public or private school for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. One of the primary foci of this project was to develop a kindergarten market research guide comparing Illuminate Academy with other inclusive kindergarten programs as a resource for the agency as well as current and prospective families in Middle Tennessee. Another primary focus of this project was to create social media and marketing materials for Illuminate Academy’s Shine Shop, a transition service that provides students …


Applying Self-Compassion And Stress Management Techniques To Increase Healthy Behaviors Among Women At The New Beginnings Center, Payton Knupp Apr 2022

Applying Self-Compassion And Stress Management Techniques To Increase Healthy Behaviors Among Women At The New Beginnings Center, Payton Knupp

OTD Capstone Projects

The New Beginnings Center is a nonprofit organization that serves as an empowerment program for women from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Nashville area. Current curriculum includes a 12-week program focused on nutrition, exercise, and positive lifestyle changes that provide a holistic approach to long-term behavior change and a lasting support system. The objective for this project was to provide updated programming based on current research and relevant topics for the population, utilizing the cognitive behavioral frame of reference to facilitate behavior change, reframing negative and distorted thinking into healthy and productive habits. The subjects of the two workshops focused on …


Coaching For Independent Living Skills In Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Community, Ashley G. Raby Apr 2022

Coaching For Independent Living Skills In Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Community, Ashley G. Raby

OTD Capstone Projects

Friends Life Community is an organization that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Nashville, TN. They provide a day program, drama therapy, social clubs, career coaching, and life coaching. The life coaching program is an individualized service provided to clients who are striving to become more independent in life skills. This project focused on creating resources and assessments to aid in the coaching process. Resources were created in the following categories: activities, cleaning, hygiene and routines, nutrition and exercise, and budgeting.


Promoting Community Accessibility Through Advocacy And Networking With The Ability App, Chloe C. Moore Apr 2022

Promoting Community Accessibility Through Advocacy And Networking With The Ability App, Chloe C. Moore

OTD Capstone Projects

Promoting Community Accessibility Through Advocacy and
Networking with The Ability App Networking with The Ability App


Promoting Occupational Well-Being Through Program Development At Rock Steady Boxing, Meredith F. Maines Apr 2022

Promoting Occupational Well-Being Through Program Development At Rock Steady Boxing, Meredith F. Maines

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through a partnership with Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), a non-profit organization which aims to provide hope to people with Parkinson’s Disease and strives to improve quality of life. The goal of this project was to create resources for RSB that support business growth and promote occupational well-being amongst participants. Resources include updated intake assessment forms, workout templates, and an organized Google Drive for storage and dissemination of resources.


Promoting Client-Centered Learning And Education Of Teenage Mothers, Katie R. Hartline Apr 2022

Promoting Client-Centered Learning And Education Of Teenage Mothers, Katie R. Hartline

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Nurses for Newborns, a nonprofit organization that sends registered nurses to the homes of families who have a greater risk of infant mortality. By delivering prenatal/postnatal care, education, infant developmental assistance, educational resources, community resources, and facilitating long-term plans with the families, Nurses for Newborns takes active measures to prevent child abuse, neglect, and infant mortality. This project was driven by the organization’s need to increase engagement, participation, and learning outcomes by their teen mother clientele. The primary focus of this project was to create a client-specific booklet to promote …